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This has been such a helpful thread! I had some of the same confusion when I first started collecting unemployment. It's crazy how many people think it's all connected to Social Security when it's really a completely separate state insurance program.
Final note - keep all your ESD correspondence and records separate from any Social Security paperwork you might have. They're different agencies, different programs, different requirements. Keeping them organized separately will save you headaches down the road.
I tried that Claimyr thing mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got through to Washington ESD in under 20 minutes when I'd been trying to call for days. Definitely recommend it if you need to talk to someone about your claim.
Same here, used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Way better than the regular phone system.
One thing to watch out for - if you get any severance pay that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD considers severance as wages which could delay your first payment.
Washington ESD has been pretty good about helping people who are in mixed work situations like yours. The important thing is that you're actively seeking full-time employment and you lost your main job involuntarily.
Just to summarize for anyone else reading - you file unemployment where you WORKED, not where you LIVE. The state where your employer paid unemployment insurance taxes is where you file your claim.
Sunny Wang
Another thing to consider - if you have any issues with your claim or need to talk to Washington ESD about timing questions, getting through by phone can be really tough. I've heard good things about services that help with that.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Yeah someone mentioned Claimyr earlier. Might need to look into that if I run into problems.
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Sunny Wang
•That's the one I was thinking of. Seems like a lot of people have had success with it when the regular phone lines don't work.
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Hugh Intensity
Bottom line - file today! Don't overthink it. The longer you wait, the more money you're leaving on the table. Washington ESD isn't going to backdate your benefits to when you lost your job.
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Hugh Intensity
•Good luck! Hope your claim processes smoothly.
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Effie Alexander
•Let us know how it goes! Always helpful to hear about other people's experiences.
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